April 24, 2018

The finish line is in sight, and you’ve nearly finished your undergraduate degree. What’s next? The period after graduation is a confusing time for most, but with these helpful tips you will have a guideline of options to pursue after your undergraduate education is complete.

Graduate programs

A popular next step for most graduating students is to attend graduate school. While a college degree can drastically increase your opportunity for employment, enrolling in graduate school only betters your understanding of your chosen field and makes you more desirable in the eyes of future employers. Unquestionably, an advanced degree makes a difference on a résumé.

Measure success

It’s tough to stay motivated to finish a goal if you are not actively measuring your progress. Finals were a good way to measure your progress in your classes, but in the life outside the classroom, you must impose your own measurements to stay on track. Set goals for yourself and be accountable! This will help to stay focused and continuously better yourself.

Alumni events/services

Subscribe to alumni newsletters to keep informed on what is happening at Drexel University. Opportunities can often be found by keeping up with current information. For example, the Young Alumni Association serves as a support system for Drexel’s recent graduates. This program offers networking, social and volunteering opportunities that encourage alumni to stay connected to the university. By staying connected, job opportunities and career advancement options can become available.

Volunteering for nonprofits located in Philadelphia

Volunteering can be a lucrative way to build a network, as well as a method to give back to your community. In your free time, try checking out local nonprofits and volunteering your time there. While this is a huge way to earn feelings of pride and accomplishment for helping your community, it can also be a great experience where you meet like-minded individuals who share the same interests as you.

Step out of your comfort zone

Learn something new. If there was ever a lecture that peaked your interest or a topic that got you thinking, pursue it. Learning new things can drastically change your outlook on life, and in some cases, can be a breath of fresh air to the career path you have set for yourself. Many prominent entrepreneurs have been wildly successful simply because they pursued their passion project. The more you care, the more dedication you will put into it.

Take these tips into consideration and the road after graduation won’t be as daunting as once thought. Graduate programs, alumni events and volunteering can all be used to further your career. Never stop searching for ways to improve your education and you will set a promising path for yourself!

Josh Wagner